Bui Cong Nam: I never thought I was an idol

If "Best Song" 2016 introduced the audience to a talented musician, "Anh trai vu ngan cong gai" brought new life to the energetic talent at the age of 30.

From a young man who often appeared as a composer and received little attention in the media, Bui Cong Nam has now become a singer and musician whose face and name are remembered by the audience every time he appears.

How would you sum up your 2024?

This is probably a year of many changes in work. Of course, changes in a good way. In addition, life also has many ups and downs like the story I shared at the beginning of the year about the experience of having to sell my house because I lost 80% of my stock investment. However, I find my 2024 to be very colorful and I feel like I am enjoying different emotions in a year, being busier, thinking more. In other words, I find my wrinkles are equal to the previous 5 years combined. (laughs).

Bùi Công Nam: Tôi chưa từng nghĩ mình là idol - Ảnh 1. — Performance in "Brother overcomes thousands of obstacles".

When accepting to join the program Brother , you have overcome thousands of difficulties. Do you think the program and you personally will be as successful as they are now?

Definitely not. Honestly, when I joined the show, I just thought it was for fun and I would be one of the first members to be eliminated.

Why are you so pessimistic, when you have many talents such as composing, singing, producing music…?

I thought I was a little small compared to you guys. But everything happened so unexpectedly, I really didn't expect it.

Have the events of the past year changed your thinking about art?

I have completely changed my mindset about my career. Because up until now, I have never thought of myself as an idol - going to events and having people call my name and ask for my autograph. Before, when I first started my career, I wanted to be a singer, but life pushed me to become a musician. In the past, I have also lived well with my composing work. However, when I switched to this contest, I changed my image to that of a singer. Everything in life has to be more meticulous, from dressing, speaking...

The year 2024 will see many changes that will have a strong impact on the music and entertainment market such as concerts, idol culture, and the growing number of Vietnamese music fans. As someone who participated in one of the most prominent reality TV shows of 2024, how do you see it?

I think this is a very good thing for the Vietnamese music market. Before, there were also famous singers like My Tam, Ha Anh Tuan… but the show had many artists and was supported by a large crowd, so it is definitely a clear change this year.

Do you think this is pressure?

I see it as an opportunity for Vietnamese artists because they have a large fan base, so their artistic products when released will be more easily accepted than before.

Currently, you are a member of the BOF band, a guest at Phan Manh Quynh's private music night, and the music director of several music shows... Which role do you prefer?

I like and enjoy any position. When I take on any job or environment, I always find something good to learn and experience. Of course, I also choose the programs I participate in. After that, how things turn out is up to fate.

Bùi Công Nam: Tôi chưa từng nghĩ mình là idol - Ảnh 4. — Bui Cong Nam has taken on the role of music director of many music programs recently.

Does that mean you get to decide your own work without being tied down?

I always consult with the team first to get feedback and suggestions. The rest is up to me to decide.

People often refer to Bui Cong Nam with the nickname "Tet music guy". Will he continue to explode in this field this year?

I still write Tet music but work is too busy so the frequency may not be as much as last year. There are not many ideas to exploit the Tet theme but I am a person from the countryside so I will try to squeeze in the emotions I have to write. I will have many emotions, many perspectives of a person from the countryside celebrating Tet far from home.

Of the Tet songs you have written, which one do you like best?

Every song I compose has its own good points. But the song that created the biggest resonance is What did you do last year? This Tet I will come back... Song What did you do last year? is a composition on order, I wrote it in just 2-3 days. At first I thought I would sing it but then the program found it more suitable for Noo Phuoc Thinh. Actually, the song does not have a MV but is just a stage performance but in the past few years it has become very popular. I am very happy with this.